Microbial-mediated release of bisphenol A from polycarbonate vessels

Abstract

Aim: To identify the source of bisphenol A (BPA) [2,2′‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) propane] in cultures of an antibiotic‐producing Bacillus sp. strain grown in polycarbonate flasks. Methods and Results: Although a culture of an antibiotic‐producing Bacillus sp. strain grown in a new, rinsed polycarbonate flask yielded BPA, duplicate cultures grown in thoroughly washed polycarbonate flasks did not. Cells of Escherichia coli strain C were grown in new polycarbonate flasks rinsed three‐times with 100 ml distilled H2O. BPA was only recovered from cultures grown in new polycarbonate flasks, but not from the autoclaved medium incubated in parallel. Conclusions: BPA was present in either Bacillus or E. coli cultures, probably due to its release from inadequately washed polycarbonate flasks. Standard autoclaving did not result in BPA appearance; microbial growth was required. Polycarbonate vessels for microbial cultures should be thoroughly washed to avoid the appearance of BPA in culture medium. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study rigorously demonstrates that the presence of BPA in culture medium was a consequence of microbial growth or metabolism in inadequately washed polycarbonate flasks. As BPA exhibits antimicrobial and oestrogenic activity, searches for novel drugs or production of recombinant chemotherapeutic agents could be derailed by the artefactual appearance of BPA.

Bisphenol A and metabolites released by biodegradation of polycarbonate in seawater

“…Even though many reports are available on biodegradation of bisphenol A, its release into the aquatic environment and its further break down is of significant concern. Its release from polycarbonate due to microbial action has been reported before (Oberlies et al 2008). The objective of the present study is to access the biodegradability of polycarbonate in the presence of marine microbial consortia and verify possible release of bisphenol A and other metabolites under controlled laboratory conditions.…”

Mapping of sample collection data: GIS tools for the natural product researcher

“…Specifically, we have studied the plant (Alali et al, 2007; Alali et al, 2005; Alali et al, 2008) and microbial (Oberlies et al, 2008) biodiversity of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Jordan) for a number of years. A continual challenge has been to impress upon the scientific community the value of studying ecosystems in this region of the world.…”